Entry-level interview: What to ask?

You’ve narrowed down the list of applicants, now the time has come to interview. It’s often the case that you may have numerous interviews to complete so time can be limited with each applicant, so it is key that you ask the right questions. Part of asking the right questions is making sure that they are targeted appropriately for the skill level of the job.

If you’re looking to fill an entry level or junior position it can be hard to gage their skill level due to lack of experience. With this in mind we have put together some simple questions that will help you effectively evaluate their communication, time-management and problem-solving abilities.

Here are some sample questions to ask entry-level candidates during interviews:

1. Why did you apply for this position? Was there something specifically in the job ad that drew your attention?

2. Describe a time (e.g. from college or work experience) when you worked as part of a team to accomplish a goal.
3. Following on from above… how did you manage your time and workload when you had to complete various projects to tight deadlines?
4. What would you do if your manager assigned you a task you didn’t know how to approach?
5. What would you like to learn or what skills would you like to develop during your first year working with us?